We get it: combination skin isn’t the easiest skin type to work with. But with some expert techniques and high-quality makeup products, you can create fresh, gorgeous makeup looks that let your skin shine.
We’ve created the ultimate guide on makeup for combination skin to help you master your artistry. This will help you achieve versatile, glam beauty looks without the greasy shine.
What is Combination Skin?
Combination skin deals with both oily and dry areas. Most often, you’ll see excess oil coming through in the T-zone (the forehead, nose, and chin).
You will also notice much drier skin on the cheeks and along the jaw. This is what makes combination skin a bit tricky to work with, particularly when it comes to makeup application.
You have to account for both severe dryness and excess oil at the exact same time. It may sound like an impossible task, but don’t worry!
With the right makeup products and a carefully crafted skincare routine, you can completely perfect the combination skin beauty routine.
Skincare Prep for Combination Skin
Proper skin prep is always a critical step when it comes to makeup application. However, it’s even more important for combination skin to prevent a makeup meltdown.
A good skincare routine will balance the skin and create the best canvas for seamless and easy makeup application. After cleansing, always apply a hydrating serum to the skin.
These serums are generally gentle and lightweight enough to use on oil-prone areas. They are great for boosting hydration levels for soft, supple skin.
Once you’ve applied any serums, apply a moisturizer to your complexion. Gel and gel-cream formulas are perfect for combo skin.
They provide enough moisturization without feeling too heavy or causing breakouts. It’s also important to exfoliate on a regular basis to eliminate rough texture and create a smooth, even base.
Chemical exfoliants made with both alpha and beta hydroxy acids are especially great for combination skin. The BHAs work deep in the pores to clear away excess oil, while the AHAs dissolve dead skin cells on the surface.
Step-By-Step Makeup Application
Primer
A primer has two main jobs: it helps makeup stay in place and creates an even canvas. Typically, a lightweight hydrating primer works beautifully with combo skin.
You can apply an even layer all over the face before moving on to the next steps. To take your routine to the next level, try applying two different primers: a mattifying primer on the T-zone, and a hydrating primer on the dry areas.
Foundation and Concealer
The best foundation for combination skin will be a liquid or cream formula that leaves a dewy finish. This will ensure you get the most natural results, particularly on the dry areas of the face.
Powder foundations and matte finish formulas can massively exacerbate rougher texture and flakiness, so it’s best to avoid them completely. If needed, you can apply concealer to cover up blemishes and brighten the under-eye area.
Choose a cream or liquid formula, as it’ll blend seamlessly into the foundation. Once applied, use a translucent setting powder to control shine specifically in oil-prone areas.
Blush
Diffuse blush onto the cheeks to bring natural color back to the complexion. A cream blush works especially well for combination skin, as it will add dewiness to the drier cheeks.
It will also layer seamlessly on top of a cream or liquid foundation.
Eyebrows, Eyeshadow, and Mascara
Next, move on to the eyes. The exact formulas you use will ultimately come down to your personal preferences.
Both cream and powder eyeshadows work well with combo skin. Use whatever eyebrow and mascara products best suit the look you’re going for.
Setting Spray
As the very last step in your makeup routine, lock everything in with a setting spray. A lightweight hydrating spray is combination skin’s absolute best friend.
It will add hydration to areas that need a little extra support, but won’t feel too heavy on the rest of your skin.
Expert Product Recommendations
Major Skin Hydra-Luxe Luminous Skin Perfecting Foundation
This new foundation goes beyond your typical liquid foundation with its innovative formula. It is enriched with skin-loving ingredients like a triple hyaluronic complex, plant-derived squalane, shea butter, and fermented kombucha.
It intensely hydrates, nourishes, and visibly enhances your complexion from the moment it’s applied.
Major Skin Crème Foundation & Finishing Powder Duo
This palette contains the exact complexion products combination skin needs. The buildable, creamy foundation creates a gorgeous dewy finish on the skin.
It is hydrating enough for dry areas, but still feels light enough for oil-prone spots. The translucent powder creates a soft-focus blur to set makeup and control shine in the T-zone.
Major Headlines Double-Take Crème and Powder Blush Duo
We absolutely love this blush duo for combination skin. The hydrating cream can be used on its own to add a fresh and radiant pop of color to the cheeks.
For a more luminous look, diffuse the blendable powder onto the apples of the cheeks, and then layer the cream on top. This brings that dewiness back to the complexion and gives you a long-wearing glow.
Major Glow Dewy Milk Mist
Set your makeup perfectly with this lightweight setting spray. It’s made with hydrating and soothing ingredients that comfort the skin and add a natural glow.
It is the perfect tool for ensuring dry areas stay fresh and dewy all day long.
Our Tips for All-Day Wear
To maximize your look, we highly recommend carrying a setting powder with you to touch up oil-prone areas as needed. If your skin is ever feeling dry, you can also easily reapply your hydrating setting mist to refresh your complexion on the go.
A flawless, radiant makeup look is completely achievable for all skin types, including combination skin. Knowing exactly how to work with your complexion is the ultimate key to getting the best results.